Christian Ponder thanks Samantha Steele after win over Lions

If Samantha Steele is one of the reasons the Minnesota Vikings lost two straight games prior to their win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday, she must have had a hand in the victory as well. Since Christian Ponder admitted that he and Steele are dating, he has had to deal with questions about whether or not their relationship has been one of the reasons his play has slipped.

On Sunday, Ponder threw for 221 yards and two touchdowns against Detroit and did not turn the ball over. He was sure to mention his lady after the 34-24 victory.

“I want to thank my girlfriend,” Ponder said according to the Star Tribune. “Because she obviously has such a big impact on how I play. Which allowed me to win. So thank you.”

While the questions about Steele affecting Ponder’s play weren’t a surprise, that doesn’t mean they are fair. Reporters always want to blame the new girlfriend if a player starts playing poorly, but people rarely credit a significant other for a good performance. For that reason, I can’t say I blame Ponder for cracking a joke instead of taking the high road.